Gallery: Massive blaze rips through Blackburn Mill

11:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Dan Clough, Reporter

Firefighters tackle the blaze Firefighters tackle the blaze

A HUGE blaze at a derelict mill caused the roof to collapse amid dramatic scenes last night.

Firefighters were called after flames were seen coming from the top of Apex Mill, on the corner of Bold Street and Randal Street, in Blackburn.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, with police saying last night they could not rule out that it had been started deliberately.

Five fire engines attended the scene and an overhead crane was used to combat the flames from above.

Randal Street was closed from its junctions with Oswald Street and Shear Brow, with police officers directing traffic.

The flames attracted a number of people to the street, with residents standing on their doorsteps watching the drama unfold.

One onlooker said: “We saw the smoke at first and thought there was a car on fire nearby.

“But a few minutes later, the roof went up.

“It all happened very quickly.”

Another said: “When I went to the mosque, everything was quiet, but when I came back it was chock-a-bloc.

“There were huge flames coming from the building.

“We see a lot of kids going in there and the police have been up a few times.”

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Sgt Nick Collier was co-ordinating the police operation at the scene.

He said: “A large fire was reported to the fire service at 7pm and they deployed several appliances.

“The cause is as yet unknown and subject to an investigation.

“The fire service will carry that out and liaise with the police.”

In 2010, planning permission was granted to the Adhan Group of companies to develop the site.

At the time, the red-brick Victorian Mill was described as being in a ‘poor state of repair’.

Also known as the Randal Street Works, it was originally a reed and heald-making business, started by James Haydock in the 1870s. It continued in this use until 1933.

Later uses included warehousing, animal foodstuff production and a printing works.

The application sought to demolish the existing building and replace it with nine retail units with two community function halls on the first floor of the new building.

Comments (13)

11:35am Wed 24 Oct 12

Akeel Hussain says...

Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade.

You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had.

If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.
Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade. You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had. If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill. Akeel Hussain

11:55am Wed 24 Oct 12

sen c ble says...

Akeel Hussain wrote:
Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade.

You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had.

If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.
You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!!
[quote][p][bold]Akeel Hussain[/bold] wrote: Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade. You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had. If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.[/p][/quote]You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!! sen c ble

12:16pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Joseph O'M says...

At least no-one got hurt considering how close it is to a lot of other buildings. I'm also sad to say that's another (small in this case) mill chimney gone from Blackburn's skyline (that's two in the last few months after Starkie Street Corn Mill (behind the Salvation Army) was demolished back in August with its chimney too. When Star Paper Mill's chimney is demolished (any time now), that'll be five mill chimneys Blackburn has lost in the last two years. There are only a few left now and they've no protection.
At least no-one got hurt considering how close it is to a lot of other buildings. I'm also sad to say that's another (small in this case) mill chimney gone from Blackburn's skyline (that's two in the last few months after Starkie Street Corn Mill (behind the Salvation Army) was demolished back in August with its chimney too. When Star Paper Mill's chimney is demolished (any time now), that'll be five mill chimneys Blackburn has lost in the last two years. There are only a few left now and they've no protection. Joseph O'M

2:15pm Wed 24 Oct 12

turd moor says...

if it was to get rid of the rats you should of just hired the pied pieper
if it was to get rid of the rats you should of just hired the pied pieper turd moor

3:15pm Wed 24 Oct 12

2 for 5p says...

Quote:

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, with police saying last night they could not rule out that it had been started deliberately.

Oh come on it's not rocket sience is it , it seems all of Blackburn are up to it , you ask the t shirt print man .

Anyone for insurance ;-).
Quote: An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, with police saying last night they could not rule out that it had been started deliberately. Oh come on it's not rocket sience is it , it seems all of Blackburn are up to it , you ask the t shirt print man . Anyone for insurance ;-). 2 for 5p

3:26pm Wed 24 Oct 12

jack denials says...

2 for 5p wrote:
Quote:

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, with police saying last night they could not rule out that it had been started deliberately.

Oh come on it's not rocket sience is it , it seems all of Blackburn are up to it , you ask the t shirt print man .

Anyone for insurance ;-).
I said the same but the d***s at LT took it off.....touched a nerve maybe?
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p[/bold] wrote: Quote: An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, with police saying last night they could not rule out that it had been started deliberately. Oh come on it's not rocket sience is it , it seems all of Blackburn are up to it , you ask the t shirt print man . Anyone for insurance ;-).[/p][/quote]I said the same but the d***s at LT took it off.....touched a nerve maybe? jack denials

7:53pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Rimbus says...

sen c ble wrote:
Akeel Hussain wrote:
Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade.

You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had.

If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.
You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!!
Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?
[quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Akeel Hussain[/bold] wrote: Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade. You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had. If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.[/p][/quote]You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!![/p][/quote]Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now? Rimbus

8:42pm Wed 24 Oct 12

sen c ble says...

Rimbus wrote:
sen c ble wrote:
Akeel Hussain wrote:
Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade.

You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had.

If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.
You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!!
Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?
Hi Rimpuss. never went to mecca. Infact the pilgrims are on their way now, you moron!
[quote][p][bold]Rimbus[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Akeel Hussain[/bold] wrote: Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade. You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had. If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.[/p][/quote]You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!![/p][/quote]Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?[/p][/quote]Hi Rimpuss. never went to mecca. Infact the pilgrims are on their way now, you moron! sen c ble

8:47pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Rimbus says...

sen c ble wrote:
Rimbus wrote:
sen c ble wrote:
Akeel Hussain wrote:
Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade.

You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had.

If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.
You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!!
Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?
Hi Rimpuss. never went to mecca. Infact the pilgrims are on their way now, you moron!
Thought you said in a previous post about the ones who went in an LDV van that you'd see them there?
[quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Rimbus[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Akeel Hussain[/bold] wrote: Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade. You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had. If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.[/p][/quote]You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!![/p][/quote]Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?[/p][/quote]Hi Rimpuss. never went to mecca. Infact the pilgrims are on their way now, you moron![/p][/quote]Thought you said in a previous post about the ones who went in an LDV van that you'd see them there? Rimbus

8:53pm Wed 24 Oct 12

sen c ble says...

Rimbus wrote:
sen c ble wrote:
Rimbus wrote:
sen c ble wrote:
Akeel Hussain wrote:
Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade.

You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had.

If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.
You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!!
Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?
Hi Rimpuss. never went to mecca. Infact the pilgrims are on their way now, you moron!
Thought you said in a previous post about the ones who went in an LDV van that you'd see them there?
You thought wrong you 'kin idiot. I said i'll see you on your arrival and don't forget to mention my name, as in prayers!

What's your problem and whens the last time you had a slap across your face?
[quote][p][bold]Rimbus[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Rimbus[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Akeel Hussain[/bold] wrote: Me and my friend were the first people to notice the fire, we first thought the sound of the fire was actually water from a broken pipe, but then we noticed the fire on the Apex Mill and decided to ring the fire brigade. You could actually see the floors from inside falling and turn to rumble right infront of you, it was as if the fire had seized the building and would have spread if the fire brigade arrived any later than they had. If there was anyone inside i would personally think that they would have less chance of survivng as the doors were completely locked from the outside and there were no means of escape,the flames were bursting high from the roof and smoke covering every corner of the mill.[/p][/quote]You've drafted this quite well, haven't you!!![/p][/quote]Great to have you back nonsen, it's been pretty quiet round these parts without you. Was it hot in mecca? Did you have to live in one of them tents? Is your beard ginger now?[/p][/quote]Hi Rimpuss. never went to mecca. Infact the pilgrims are on their way now, you moron![/p][/quote]Thought you said in a previous post about the ones who went in an LDV van that you'd see them there?[/p][/quote]You thought wrong you 'kin idiot. I said i'll see you on your arrival and don't forget to mention my name, as in prayers! What's your problem and whens the last time you had a slap across your face? sen c ble

9:06pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Rimbus says...

Oh I see, you meant to say I'll see you on your return?
Given that the story was about an LDV van full of blokes driving to mecca I stupidly assumed that when you said "I'll see you on your arrival" you meant that you would see them when they arrived at their destination, i.e. mecca.
Apologies for my inability to properly understand your cryptic post.
Anyway, you have been noticeable by your absence on here over the last week or so, have you been away or just having technical problems with your IT? Great that you're back though!
PS - You don't need to swear and call me rude names, I've never done that to you. X.
Oh I see, you meant to say I'll see you on your return? Given that the story was about an LDV van full of blokes driving to mecca I stupidly assumed that when you said "I'll see you on your arrival" you meant that you would see them when they arrived at their destination, i.e. mecca. Apologies for my inability to properly understand your cryptic post. Anyway, you have been noticeable by your absence on here over the last week or so, have you been away or just having technical problems with your IT? Great that you're back though! PS - You don't need to swear and call me rude names, I've never done that to you. X. Rimbus

5:49am Thu 25 Oct 12

sen c ble says...

Rimbus wrote:
Oh I see, you meant to say I'll see you on your return?
Given that the story was about an LDV van full of blokes driving to mecca I stupidly assumed that when you said "I'll see you on your arrival" you meant that you would see them when they arrived at their destination, i.e. mecca.
Apologies for my inability to properly understand your cryptic post.
Anyway, you have been noticeable by your absence on here over the last week or so, have you been away or just having technical problems with your IT? Great that you're back though!
PS - You don't need to swear and call me rude names, I've never done that to you. X.
Theoretically LT readers comment on news articles that appeals to them. If you would care to browse the LT pages and other categories besides anything but asian related, my presence wiill be evident. Your lack of ability to understand my mysterious ways, is just one of your failures to keep up, hence why pupils should not question their masters. To address me besides my username and 'sen', is an insult and offensive, and once again your failure to understand that you're a complete pest. Anyway you continue to place a smile on reader's faces, but think twice before ever considering to step on my toes!
[quote][p][bold]Rimbus[/bold] wrote: Oh I see, you meant to say I'll see you on your return? Given that the story was about an LDV van full of blokes driving to mecca I stupidly assumed that when you said "I'll see you on your arrival" you meant that you would see them when they arrived at their destination, i.e. mecca. Apologies for my inability to properly understand your cryptic post. Anyway, you have been noticeable by your absence on here over the last week or so, have you been away or just having technical problems with your IT? Great that you're back though! PS - You don't need to swear and call me rude names, I've never done that to you. X.[/p][/quote]Theoretically LT readers comment on news articles that appeals to them. If you would care to browse the LT pages and other categories besides anything but asian related, my presence wiill be evident. Your lack of ability to understand my mysterious ways, is just one of your failures to keep up, hence why pupils should not question their masters. To address me besides my username and 'sen', is an insult and offensive, and once again your failure to understand that you're a complete pest. Anyway you continue to place a smile on reader's faces, but think twice before ever considering to step on my toes! sen c ble

4:41pm Thu 25 Oct 12

Rimbus says...

Sincere apologies my username and 'sen', it won't happen again, promise. X.
Sincere apologies my username and 'sen', it won't happen again, promise. X. Rimbus

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